Toronto woman charged after alleged 'evil spirit blessing scam'

AToronto womanis being charged with fraud and pretending to practise witchcraftin what York Region police are calling an "evil spirit blessingscam."

Police charged the 27-year-old, self-proclaimed psychicafter a nearlyyear-long investigation into her dealings with a 67-year-oldYork region man who allegedly lost over $600,000 in thescheme.

In a release sent out by police, the accusedallegedly told the man he had to sell his house and transfer the money to her account in orderto rid himself of evil spirits in his home.

Authorities began the investigation after receivingan anonymoustip about an elder financial abuse incident in November2017.

Police say the victim claimedthe woman told him she would hold onto the moneyuntil the spirits were removed.

The money was not returned and the woman allegedly went on to tell the victim she needed an additional $6,000 fora ritualistic burning.

Police also saythe man sold his car andused credit and other sources to pay for multiple demands for money.

A possible trend

This incident is not the first of its kind in the area, York Regional policeConst. LauraNicolletoldCBCToronto.

"We put out some information back in 2015 after we had a few incidents in Markham,"Nicollesaid. "These people are basically convincing you that there's these evil spirits following you and that your family members may be at risk."

She explains that victims in these situations are faced with the overall threat of dire consequences and comply with the scammersout of fear.

The people behind these scamstend to target those who are considered more vulnerable, like the elderly or those new to Canada, Nicolleexplained.

Earlier this month, Haltonpolice arrested a Milton womanwithextortion, fraud and pretending to practice witchcraft. In that case, a victim came forward claiming they had been scammed out of over $60,000.

How victims are approached

Police say the people claiming to practise witchcraft or magicfind victims by postingonline ads and approaching potential targets in person.

Nicollesays that in investigating these types of cases, there are unique concerns.

"We are crossing over into victims who are concerned about evil spirits and there's no way for us to investigate that," she explains, adding that it's difficult to argue with someone's beliefs.

She says that the process for victims to reclaim stolen assets is done in the courts.

The accusedis set to appear in a Newmarket court on Thursday.

She faces charges ofpossession of property obtained by crime, fraud over $5,000 and pretending to practise witchcraft.

Nicolle advises that to avoid situations like this, it's important to not get caught up in the scammersclaims.

"I think many people are quick to judge the victim'Why would you give that money?'And I think what we really need to be doing is judging the people who are committing these types of crimes,"she said.